Unpaid Workers Demand Answers as Sandpiper Bay Resort Renovation Saga Unfolds

The Sandpiper Bay Resort in Port St. Lucie, Florida has found itself embroiled in a complex financial dispute, leaving numerous construction workers awaiting their rightful compensation. As the situation unfolds, the resort's owner, Keith Lee, and the contractor, Michael Garofalo of Capitol Building Group, are at the center of a tangled web of allegations and legal actions, leaving the workers caught in the crossfire.

Uncovering the Unpaid Wages Owed to Hardworking Tradesmen

Unpaid Workers Protest for Their Rightful Earnings

Carlos Garcia, a worker who contributed his skills to the Sandpiper Bay Resort renovation project, is one of the many individuals owed significant sums of money. Frustrated by the lack of payment, Garcia took to protesting outside the resort for 24 consecutive days, seeking to draw attention to the plight of the workers. According to court records, a staggering ,805,134.55 remains unpaid to the companies that employed these dedicated tradesmen.

The Resort Owner's Perspective: Passing the Blame

In response to the growing controversy, Sandpiper Bay Resort owner Keith Lee issued a statement acknowledging the unfortunate situation. Lee claimed that he had paid Garofalo's Capitol Building Group nearly million, a portion of which should have been distributed to the workers. However, Lee asserted that the responsibility for the unpaid wages lies with the contractor, stating, "It's very unfortunate hard working folks did not get paid along the chain of parties that received money."

The Contractor's Defense: Insufficient Funds Received

Jerald Cureton, the attorney representing Capitol Building Group and Michael Garofalo, provided a different perspective on the matter. Cureton claimed that the money received from Keith Lee was not enough to cover all the outstanding payments owed to the workers. "It did, there wasn't enough money received from Keith Lee to pay them all," Cureton stated, suggesting that the resort owner's payments were insufficient to meet the financial obligations.

The Construction Lien: A Disputed Legal Maneuver

In a bid to recoup the unpaid funds, Cureton filed a construction lien against Sandpiper Bay Resort in April, claiming that the resort owed his client million. This included million for Garofalo and an additional million to cover the outstanding payments to the workers. However, court records indicate that this lien was later dismissed, as Capitol Building Group failed to appear in court to explain their position.

Preparing for Legal Action: Reinstatement of the Lien

Cureton expressed surprise at the dismissal of the lien, stating that they were unaware of the court date. He emphasized that they are now preparing to file a lawsuit to reinstate the lien, determined to pursue the outstanding payments. Cureton also revealed that his client, Garofalo, had invested his own funds, potentially up to half a million dollars, to keep the project going.

Sandpiper Bay Resort's Response: Seeking a Resolution

Sandpiper Bay Resort, on the other hand, is also preparing to take legal action. The resort has brought on a new contractor and is working towards a resolution that will address the concerns of the unpaid workers. Keith Lee, the resort's owner, has not responded to further inquiries, leaving the workers and the public awaiting a more comprehensive response from the resort's leadership.As the saga at Sandpiper Bay Resort continues to unfold, the plight of the hardworking construction workers remains at the forefront. With millions of dollars owed and a complex web of allegations and legal maneuvers, the ultimate resolution to this dispute remains uncertain. The workers, who have dedicated their skills and labor to the renovation project, deserve a fair and timely resolution that ensures they receive the compensation they have rightfully earned.